Question: Filter, plants, lights questions!! Please help!! :)

[alexdotl]

Hey guys,
Plan on getting an axie as soon as I can get my tank set up!! A few questions though as I want to be completely prepared:

1. I have a tank that is 90cm x 35cm x 42cm and was looking at a filter. The most commonly and easiest available is AquaOne products so does anyone have experience with the hang on filters? If so which size?
2. Big rocks and sand? I would be looking at an axie around 8-10cm so sand should be fine? I wanted to add big rocks (larger than it's head obviously) and add sand over the top to try and secure some live plants better..? Anyone tried this?
3. Moss balls? I heard they were illegal in Australia? Anyone know? If they are, any other good plants for an axie tank?
4.Best lights for live plants that won't affect my axie too much or cause distress? I am fine have a concentrated amount of plants at one end of the tank with a light over top and have a hide for the axie at the other end but does this work well? Defeats the point of plants?
5. Last one (I think), hides that are big enough for a grown axie (I don't mind if I have to ebay or aquarium sites etc.)? I know PVC pipe works well but if there is something more aesthetically appealing, that would be great! Of course if the piping is better for the axie then I will of course go for the option better for it!!

Sorry for all the questions but want to be fully prepared before I decide to get one and just want everything to be perfect!!

Thankyou!!

 

[qannp]

Hi alexdotl,

1) Sponge filter with an airpump. They're cheap, easy to maintain and cause less current.

2) Sand is fine if you're not planning to feed bloodworms, because it will swallow the sand as well. Personally I don't like sand, it's a pain to keep it clean. I use small rounded gravel (1-2 mm diameter).

3) The only plants I can keep alive in my aquariums are vallisneria and anubias.

4) Vallisneria gigantea will cover the surface of your tank completely, so the bottom will be pretty dark. I have a LED lamp, it's the first time that my plants arent dying…three of my axies like to stay in their tubes when the light is on (except it's feeding time. It's never too bright to eat.), one doesn't mind the light at all.

5) I bought pleco tubes for my axies. They're big and come in natural colors. Just be sure to get one with two open ends, not a cave. Axies like to have an emergency exit.

 

[alexdotl]

Thankyou! Have been a great help!!

 

[qannp]

My pleasure. :happy:

How are you going to cool your tank? Keeping the temperature low enough must be tricky in Australia.

 

[alexdotl]

Will have to wait and see how summer goes but a lot of the time we have the entire house air conned. I will otherwise have to get a chiller!

 

[qannp]

Lucky you, I wish our house had aircondition, too.

I use PC coolers. Four of them keep my 350l tank up to 8°C under room temperature. Maybe you don't have to buy a chiller? The PC cooler-construction did cost about 50 Euros (about 71 AUD). And a baking tray of brownies for my best friend who did the brazing for me.

 

[alexdotl]

Does anyone know if moss balls are illegal in Australia? Any other good plants to use?
Also does anyone have experience with any good coolers?
Thanks

 

[Jen10s]

May have already answered in another thread - yes you can get moss balls in Australia, I ordered one from eBay.

Chillers are also a good investment for summer, expensive initially to buy though. Mine is. Hailea brand (approx. $300), bought online from Guppy's Aquarium in Queensland. You probably won't need it in winter though unless you live in the northern states, gives you time to research and save some $$$ first.